Octagon buys sponsor specialist Davies Day

Octagon, the IPG-owned sports marketing group, has bought UK public sector sponsorship specialist Davies Day for an undisclosed sum.

Davies Day’s clients include the Department of Health, the Department of Employment & Education, as well as brands Moët Hennessey and Bauer.

The company will continue to operate under its existing management, within the Octagon group.

Alaisdair Ritchie, president of Octagon Marketing for Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia, says: “Davies Day’s know-how in creating specialist events will strengthen the group’s event-led marketing, both in the public and private sectors.”

Davies Day managing partner Aidan Day adds: “We felt the time was right to partner a major global group.”

Last week, it emerged that Octagon could make a bid for Brands Hatch Leisure (BHL), the motor racing circuits group. Brands recently won the contract to stage the British Grand Prix from July 2002, after negotiations with Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone. Octagon already runs its World Superbike Championships at the track.

Octagon has hired ex-Reebok European marketing manager Steve James as an account director in its consultancy division. James is a former Great Britain athlete, who competed at international level.